City Administration reported to the Environment Committee on Monday that originally the plan was to procure medium-sized carts for the curbside organics program, but after collecting feedback, it’s expected the larger carts would be a better option.  Director of Water and Waste Operations, Brendan Lemke, explains that they are the same size as the black bins.

Mayor Charlie Clark asked why they would have to be larger, when most homes already collecting organics don’t fill them to the top, except when collecting leaves.

Lemke says the bins are expected to include more than just kitchen waste and yard material in the future.  He gives the example of pet waste and diapers, which would significantly change the amount of waste in the container, so Lemke suggests having the larger bins would mean some flexibility for capacity.

There will be more updates in the next year along with public engagement, before the spring of 2023 when the curbside organics program is set to begin.

The report also noted planning for pickup to be from the same place where garbage and recycling would be picked up, whether that’s from the street or the alley.  Lemke said that it would be less confusing for residents rather than having them all being picked up from the street.

Councillor Darren Hill questioned if there would be some space challenges with the three carts. Lemke, agreed that will be a concern for some residents, particularly in alleys which are already congested, and said that they will be reviewing the addresses where they expect there may be challenges, and engaging with residents about any issues.

This will be the final year of the voluntary Green Cart Program for the City of Saskatoon because curbside organics launches in the spring of next year.

The City is now accepting registrations and renewals for the program, which includes front-street collection of yard and food waste every two weeks between May 2nd and November 4th.

The City says the goal is to achieve 70 per cent waste diversion.

The deadline for new subscribers is March 20th to have their Green Cart delivered before the season begins in May. Previous subscribers are reminded that renewal is not automatic. Registrations and renewals before April 30th will receive the Early Bird rate at $65 and on May 1st the fee increases to $85.